9 Maryland Restaurants You Can't Miss - The Local Palate (2024)

Rooted Rotisserie | Baltimore, Maryland

Inspired by a trip to Paris where they feasted on mouthwatering roasted chicken, husband-and-wife team Joseph Burton and Amanda Ngangana opened Rooted Rotisserie across from Hollins Market in October 2023. Order a whole or half chicken with preserved lemon, garlic, and herb oil, or a French riff on the classic Baltimore codfish and potato cakes, or coddies, topped with bechamel.

The Empanada Lady | Baltimore, Maryland

Elisa Milan honors her Puerto Rican and Black heritage in her vibrant downtown restaurant serving empanadas stuffed with beef, pork, shrimp, and vegetables and sides like plantains and arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas). An assortment of rum drinks fills the co*cktail menu, including the anise-and-clove-spiced coquito made with a recipe passed down by Milan’s grandmother.

Konoko Jamaican Restaurant | White Marsh, Maryland

Named for waterfalls in Jamaica, Konoko’s owners, chef Jazz Tucker and Sandy Tucker, invite guests to “Come for the food. Stay for the vibes. Leave Irie,” or feeling good. The White Marsh restaurant serves shrimp simmered in coconut cream sauce and jerk chicken in a sleek modern space accented with a Bob Marley mural, plant wall, and bamboo.

The Coral Wig | Baltimore, Maryland

A tropical ode to the countries where owners Lane Harlan and Matthew Pierce spent their childhoods, the Philippines and St. Kitts, respectively, the Coral Wig debuted in May 2023 in the alley of the boutique stunner Hotel Ulysses. The menu includes classic rum drinks with a twist: Chili and lime leaf brighten up the Manila daiquiri while Sichuan pepper ignites the Painkiller. It’s a good start—or finish—to an evening spent at the hotel’s two maximalist spots, the all-day cafe Ash Bar, which serves refined comfort food, and Bloom’s, reminiscent of an old-school Las Vegas lounge.

Magdalena | Baltimore, Maryland

Located on the ground floor of The Ivy Hotel, Magdalena offers a blend of Southern Black, British, and French cuisine headed by chef Ülfet Ralph.

Charleston | Baltimore, Maryland

This decorated fine-dining establishment from James Beard Award finalist chef Cindy Wolf has a menu that’s ever-evolving but always French with Southern and international influences.

Ananda | Fulton, Maryland

Ananda serves light, vegetable-forward Indian dishes with traditional flavors using herbs and vegetables grown on the restaurant’s own farm.

Carrol’s Creek Cafe | Annapolis, Maryland

Guests enjoy waterfront dining at this seafood restaurant with a menu of Chesapeake fare. @carrolscreekcafe